The workouts also help keep Prater’s mind off his status, which should be known in the next few weeks. Northwestern has filed the necessary paperwork with the NCAA, a source said, and school officials are hopeful he will be allowed to play this fall. Without a waiver, Prater would have to sit out the season after transferring from USC.

Prater, a Proviso West alum, returned home to help care for an ill family member.

The NCAA granted Amir Carlisle a waiver after the running back/receiver left USC for Notre Dame. His father left the San Francisco 49ers to take a job with Purdue, a short drive to South Bend.